The grade is based on a number of factors including oxygen levels, water clarity, bacteria, sewage leaks and storm water runoff.

Experts said there's a reason why this year's levels may be better than expected.

"It was actually a very dry year for the harbor and the No. 1 source of pollution (was) storm water runoff," said Adam Lindquist, Healthy Harbor coordinator.

Of course, dry weather alone can't be relied upon to improve the quality of Baltimore's water. Healthy Harbor officials are asking residents to do their part to make it swimmable and fishable by 2020 by doing things like planting trees or installing a rain barrel that can actually help reduce storm water runoff that can turn into pollution.

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Diplomats and negotiators kept working Tuesday as a deadline approached to reach a deal on a framework agreement on Iran's nuclear program, but a U.S. State Department official said the discussion may continue after the cutoff.